OOH Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You'll be joining a family-run, RCVS-accredited 24/7 hospital in Leeds as part of an experienced and supportive night team. This role operates on a 7 nights on, 14 nights off rota, with shifts running 8am to 8pm. It's a genuine out-of-hours emergency and critical care position where you'll manage complex surgical and medical cases, supported by senior RVNs, VCAs, and twilight nursing cover through midnight.

The practice is modern and purpose-built to industry-leading standards, equipped with IDEXX laboratory, digital X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, IM3 dental suite, orthopaedic kits, endoscopy, and more. You'll have access to advanced procedures and genuine clinical support from the day team, including certificate holders in Surgery, Medicine, Endosurgery, and Dentistry for difficult cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead OOH emergency and critical care for a busy 24/7 hospital supporting 16 referring practices
• Perform advanced procedures including oesophageal tube placements, Seldinger chest drains, silicone abdominal peritoneal drains, pig-tail urinary catheters, TFAST/AFAST, endoscopy, and negative pressure wound therapy
• Manage routine OOH surgeries including caesareans, pyometra, exploratory laparotomy with enterotomy and enterectomy
• Provide expert medical care for Addisonian crises, ketoacidotic diabetic cases, and severe pancreatitis
• Work collaboratively with night nursing team (1 senior RVN, 2 VCAs, receptionist, plus twilight RVNs until midnight)
• Deliver high-quality patient and client care aligned with gold-standard protocols
• Support locum work on your days off if desired

Requirements

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon (MRCVS)
• Solid medical and surgical skills with essential experience in ECC
• Dynamic, proactive approach to emergency and critical care
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage complex cases independently, with support and training as needed
• Keen to develop within your clinical interest areas

Benefits

• Competitive salary, £55,000 to £60,000 depending on experience
• £1,500 annual CPD allowance with certificate sponsorship encouraged
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS, VDS)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Exclusive company discounts and rewards
• Opportunity to locum elsewhere on days off

About the Practice

Leeds Birstall is a modern, progressive veterinary practice established in 2012 by Practice Owners Keith and Julie Leonard. The facility operates as an RCVS-accredited hospital and emergency service clinic, delivering OOH and referral support to 16 referring surgeries alongside a thriving first-opinion business. This blend ensures case variety and the continuity to provide advanced, referral-level care in-house.

The team comprises 70 colleagues, including 15 vets, day and night nurse teams, and supporting VCAs. The practice is known for excellent communication, robust clinical management, and gold-standard protocols. As part of Vets4Pets, the practice reflects the brand's commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging colleagues to bring their authentic selves to work.